Suggested "New" Layout Category

Brian,

 

I was similarly perplexed by the recent hub bub about the 3 rail scale breakoff.  I am also clearly an O27 - O gauge traditionalist.  But, I joined this forum because I am searching for my next objective which is to enhance my Railroad to the next level of sophistication. 

 

I found the breakoff unfortunate because I really liked the information both visually and narratively presented by the very competent scale members.  Now I have to search in another forum to gather those tidbits.  In this forum there were 7 distinct categories of information.  Each category was distinguished by a unique mechanical/electrical characteristic which separated them from the other.  Now we have 7 1/2 forums with one distinguished only by an "opinion".

 

Creating another category would add another layer of separation in seeking out pictures, information and narrative.  This, in the technical world, is one forum - 3-Rail.   We would further divide up the talent and make it more difficult to find information from our members.  

 

Kindly yours,

My sentiments, exactly.

I have my own category of layout. It's called "my type of layout." My layout is the only one in that category.

It seems to me that this current forum (3 Rail O27 and Traditional O Gauge) is pretty much set up to cover ALL of the bases, from O27 on bare plywood to 3 Rail Scale, even to a few things that wander away from having a third rail with no harm or foul.

 

At least that how I've observed it. 

 

Rusty

Brian,

Creating another category would add another layer of separation in seeking out pictures, information and narrative.  This, in the technical world, is one forum - 3-Rail.   We would further divide up the talent and make it more difficult to find information from our members.  

 I also agree to this philosophy too! I am currently lost in current categories. 

 

 

3 Rail Trains.

 

No need to further the confusion, just enjoy the trains.

 

Rick.

You can be pretty certain there will be no new sub-forum categories added to what's already there.

IMHO, the forum has too many sub-forums already.

Brian, there are just so many ways to describe our layouts. Last year I visited Alex Malliae, and his layout too is in an odd sort of category like your great layout. He runs scale size trains on high rail track, but his magnificent scenery has a toy look to it. I thought of it as high rail toy. Which yours sort of is too. I think the categories as they are, are enough however. This is what I really love about O scale 3 rail; there is an almost infinite variety to the way we interpret and express our imaginings in our layouts.

Well, there certainly are enough of them, that's for sure!  

I doubt if there will be any shortage of photos and/or ideas on what has traditionally been the main forum. I'm sure you will still find plenty of material for inspiration whether you are striving for the "next level", whatever that may be, or whether you are happy with your present layout.

 

No matter how many subdivisions are created, most will still gravitate toward this forum whatever type 3-rail layout they have.

 

Jim

Ok, here's my nickels worth.  I suggest just O GAUGE/SCALE.  That way it includes both 2 rail and 3 rail. 

 

But, anyway, Allan has spoken and that's that.  Which is ok with me anyway.

 

Rick

Why not have a separate category for each individual post?

 

LOL  Hopefully most will know this is said in jest, some may take it serious. If so I will dispatch the para medics to your home due to the heart attack I'm sure they will have. 

I see no one really wants another subdivison of this fine forum.  Thus, I will hold my request for a Plasticville cape cod house variants forum request in abeyance.

There are way too many subforums already  3 Rail is 3 rail I don't care if you have Kadee couplers and fixed pilots.  Do you really need a sub-forum for that?

I'm a three rail scale guy but I love looking at the weekend photo section and see the 50's type toy train layouts. It brings back wonderful old memories of layouts I saw but never had as a kid. I think our mix is really the way to go on this one. Don

Actually, Allan doesn't have the last word on these things.  That's for Rich because he's the Webmaster.  But I have a pretty good feel for how Rich thinks about the subject, so I'm pretty darn confident you're seeing all the forums you're going to see.

Frank and Ben:  AMEN! 

I think many of you missed my point or at least the point I intended. In no way was I suggesting another classification with the ORG Forum. I agree we have more than enough categories within the Forum to satisfy just about anyone's interests. My post never suggested such a move. I ONLY suggested another way that an O-Gauge hobby enthusiast (as an individual) could describe their layout other than Hi-Rail or Toy Train layouts. I sure hope this clears this up and gets back to the point I intended.

I think over the years classifications haved morphed as things have become more specialized. The three rail scale layouts in many respects are no different in design, operation and appearance to any of the two-rail scales. The OP still has a high-rail layout in my opinion. On one end of the spectrum will be the traditional toy train/display-type layount with painted grass/grass mats, etc. Once you start adding extra ties for tubular track, ballasting, more realistic scenery/structures, then it becomes more hi-rail regardless of the mix. There are many layouts out there that fall between those two...may have elements, of toy. hi-rail and even scale. The only thing that matters is what you think it is , not anyone else or any classification...the most important thing is to enjoy it and have fun!

 

Peter

Wise man, wise words.  

I see myself as switching focus. I had an extremely realistic HO layout taking up about 300 sqft. Was mine and my dad's. However our interests changed and I decided to go to O after seeing what all is offered now. The other issue was getting into a scale that I could enjoy with my kids more.

What I like about O is that there is such a variation to what you can do. HO doesn't really allow for that. I don't see either better or more prestigious than the other, only different.

I agree with the sentiments of there being too many sub-forums already.  Plus the arrogance of some is a turn off. In the end we're all living a fantasy.

One of the things I love so much about frank53's layout was the mix of traditional and realism.

If it Ain't Broke Dont Fix it..

DITTO:: 

 

When I want to add something, I show the CEO what some of you folks have, I usually get the OK to add a little something to my  circles of Trains on plywood.

 Ain't it fun

 

Brent

I would call my O-gauge layout a post-war dealer display on steroids. I think he is asking how others would name or classify there layouts other than the standard two.

"Mid-rail"?

 

No disrespect intended Passenger Train Collector, but it just sounds like a shortened way of saying middle-rail.

 

How you describe layouts like yours and Marty Fitzhenrey's sounds like they're "Postwar-" or "tinplate-inspired," because even with some of the realistic structures and scale trains your layouts still overall retains the somewhat whimsical heritage including the shiny tubular track that is predominant and undeniably postwar, but with contemporary elements blended in.

Just for lite discussion sake, let me add here that a dear friend, Lou Failla, whose layout was presented in OGR some time ago, referred to his 3-rail layout as "Toy Scale." I thought that was pretty cool.

FrankM

Here are a couple views of his "Toy Scale" layout:

 

 

 

 

F&G RY:

 

You are 100% correct in what this thread is all about. So many who posted incorrectly by taking my suggestion as proposing a new Forum category which I never had in mind and did not suggest in any of my comments.

 

John:

 

Your comments are exactly why I started this thread. No, I would not describe my layout as Postwar or Tinplate inspired, although I do like those that are. I had a large inventory of tubular track with Johnson Roadbed and 0-72 switches on hand before I started this layout and it would have been foolish not to use it. Other than the track, I don't think there is anything else on the layout that would be considered as tinplate. As far as Post War, almost all of the equipment I operate is of the Modern Era. So with this in mind there is no current accurate description for the type of layout I have. It is not Post War, it is not Tinplate, it is not the traditional Toy Train Layout, nor is it a Hi-Rail. Hence my suggestion for a new category.

 

Thanks for your comments as they highlight what the true spirit of this Thread is all about.

In the final analysis, you can call your layout or model railroading philosophy whatever you want. 

 

When I had my portable layout, it was a mash of old and contemporary (for the time, the early 1980's.) 

 

At any given time I called it: The O Gauge Layout, The Tinplate Layout (even though there wasn't a lick of what we call currently "tinplate" on it,)  The Postwar Layout, The MPC Layout, The Lionel Layout.  I used them all interchangeably and no one ever bothered to dispute it.  It didn't matter if I was running Postwar, MPC or Williams stuff.

 

 

It accomplished what I set out to do, which was emulate, not reproduce a specific, Lionel store display layout and to keep trains running constantly during a train show.  I didn't care what it was called.

 

Rusty

Brian,

 

My apologies. I also misinterpreted "category" in your thread title as a recommendation for a new sub forum, mainly since it was begun shortly after the 3 rail scale "discussions".

 

When it comes to layouts, each is a one-of-a-kind creation IMO, representing the layout builder as an individual. That's why I never tire of seeing layouts no matter what the "style". We may emulate some of the features of classic layouts, but in the end our individuality shows through - which is great.

 

Jim

I have Traditional-sized equipment, run conventional, DON'T do scenery (no talent whatsoever), and am starting a 50's style layout of 4'x12' to show off all my accessories and operating cars. That said, I look at every layout here and other sites (and other scales) because I like 'em all. My favorites are some of the traction layouts (of which I will never build). No changes are needed IMO.

Jim:

 

I have always considered you as a true gentleman and one of our best Forum resources and your comments reinforces my belief. An apology was not necessary, but I do appreciate the sentiment behind it. I am glad that most folks now understand my motivation behind starting this thread, whether they agree with me or not.

It was certainly easy to misunderstand the intent based upon the title, post, and some of the past threads here.

 

I don't see a need for a category though, mix and run what you like, call it what you like, and be happy.

 

With all the variation in O scale, the mix and match of everything certainly leaves an endless possibilities of end results and what you could call them.

Rusty Traque: I love the look of your old layout. Do you have any more pics to post? What size was it? It is surely "my kind" of layout!

I have been playing with 3 rail trains for two years.  I have been aware of this forum for not quite that long.  I think Frank53 hit the nail on the head several posts back. 

 

One would believe that since forum contributors share a common interest (a love for trains) there would be a mutual respect between participants.  But there seems to be a more powerful force that compels some to profess that they truly appreciate and execute the hobby in the only way it was meant to be enjoyed, thereby making whatever manner you enjoy the hobby (if it happens to be different from them) less worthy. 

 

If you love 3 rail trains then........GREAT!  Share your ideas and pictures of your treasures and call it whatever you want to call it.  I don't get the camps and the condescension.  I don't take this hobby that seriously.  Those that do drag this forum down and they evacuate some of the fun from this hobby. 

 

Passenger Train Collector you should feel to call your style whatever you like and post whatever pictures or questions you have on this forum.  There may be some that don't manifest the hobby in a way similar to you and they may make comments that you may perceive as condescending.  I have learned to ignore it and keep on having fun playing with my trains.

I second that!   That is exactly what I'm looking to build for my next one - reproduce the look/feel of a mid 50's Lionel store display.  That being said, I've had Hi Rail layouts, scale engines, etc.  Now I am planning an all postwar layout.   Both are fun, in different ways. Just enjoy your trains!!  I learn something from every photo posted here - no matter what kind of layout it is. 

I've got a couple more pics and slides buried somewhere, I'd have to do some archeology to find them.  I built the layout specifically to take to train shows.

 

Basically, it was 4'x12' (two 4'x5' sections with a 4'x2' in the middle) with a 2'x12' (three 2'x4' sections) three track yard hung on one end.  The accessories and buildings were keyed to the layout and the trees held on by Velcro.  All the wiring had Molex connectors and was redundant.  It could be set up and running in about 45 minutes

 

The trackplan was a loop with a passing siding, a reverse loop and a siding for accessories.  The passing siding switches were wired so the route would alternate every other orbit using the non-derailing ferature of the O22 switches.

 

The operating theory, which worked quite well, was one one train out on the main with two in the yard.  Run 15 minutes in one direction, reverse through the reverse loop, run  15 minutes in the other, then into the yard and pull out another train.  Remove the train that just arrived and replace it with another.  We were determined to have a train running all the time.

 

Between myself and a freind of mine, we'd run 16 different trains during an 8 hour show this way.

 

The best thing however, even though I was in my 30's, my dad helped me build it.  It was some great "quality time" as they used to call it. 

 

Funny, when I came to my parent's house (where it was built) on Saturday's, I'd always find the train in a different spot on the layout.

 

Rusty

If anyone's still interested, found a couple of pictures of my display layout from a mall show in Vernon Hills, IL back in the 1980's:

 

 

 

 

And how it looked taken apart:

 

Rusty

Very impressive Rusty.